DATE: May 13, 2016
MEDIA CONTACT: Miguel Ascarrunz, Director
Broward Emergency Management Division
PHONE: 954-831-3908
EMAIL: mascarrunz@broward.org
BROWARD COUNTY, FL - Broward County is recognizing Hurricane Preparedness Week from May 15-21, 2016 by participating in various preparedness events, including the Statewide Hurricane Exercise. Broward County will participate in the exercise on Thursday, May 19th, at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Just as government is preparing, we urge residents and the public to get prepared and stay informed for this hurricane season.
"Residents are most vulnerable between June 1st and November 30th to the damage and devastation of hurricanes and other tropical disturbances. With so many things to think about when a storm threatens, it's critical to start getting your plan ready now," said Miguel Ascarrunz, Director of Broward County Emergency Management Division.
It only takes one storm to change your life and community. Tropical cyclones are among nature's most powerful and destructive phenomena. Hurricane Preparedness Week is your time to prepare for a potential land-falling tropical storm or hurricane. Each day of the week is focused on a different preparedness tip:
Sunday, May 15 - Determine your risk
Monday, May 16 - Plan for evacuation
Tuesday, May 17 - Shop for supplies
Wednesday, May 18 - Update insurance
Thursday, May 19 - Strengthen your home
Friday, May 20 - Identify trusted sources of information
On May 17th, at 11AM, a free webinar on hurricanes will also be offered to kids in grades 4th, 5th, and 6th. This webinar is part of the 2016 National Hurricane Center (NHC) Hurricane Preparedness Week and Hurricane Awareness Tour. The webinar will be broadcast live from the Galveston stop of the Hurricane Awareness Tour. Register Here
During this free 45-minute webinar, students will hear from NHC scientists as well as personnel who fly into hurricanes. The webinar will cover hurricane hazards, forecasting, observing hurricanes with airplanes, and hurricane preparedness. Classroom questions will be collected in advance of the webinar and questions will also be answered during the webinar. The purpose of the Hurricane Webinar is to raise awareness about hurricanes in advance of the 2016 North Atlantic hurricane season.
To assist our residents with hurricane preparation, Broward County will conduct a Hurricane Preparedness Open House on Saturday, May 14th, from 10AM - 12:30PM at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. All Broward County residents are invited to attend this special community event.
Come out and join your neighbors to be hurricane Ready. Set. Safe. For more information visit our hurricane preparedness website.
About Emergency Management Division
The Broward County Emergency Management Division develops and implements comprehensive emergency planning response, mitigation and recovery activities in order to save lives and protect property in emergencies. Technical assistance is available to develop and maintain emergency plans for all types of hazards. Free training and presentations are available to the public on request. For more information, visit Broward.org/Emergency, follow us on Twitter @ReadyBroward, like us on Facebook.com/BrowardEMD or call 954-831-3900.
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